Canada
Key advice
A foreign visitor can enter Canada with all their camera equipment duty-free, provided they take it with them when they leave. Declare the equipment upon arrival; if a guarantee is required, an E29B form or an ATA Carnet will suffice. No monetary limit applies to temporary personal effects for non-residents.
- Customs authority
- Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- Personal duty-free allowance
- N/A pour effets personnels temporaires
- ATA Carnet
- Accepted
- Official website
- cbsa-asfc.gc.ca ↗
Practical scenarios
A beginner diver arrives in Vancouver with a GoPro Hero 11 and its original housing, valued at €600. At Canadian customs (CBSA), they verbally declare their equipment as temporary personal effects. No taxes or duties will be applied, as it is personal equipment intended for re-export. There is no particular risk; the process is simple and quick.
An advanced diver travels to British Columbia with a Fujifilm X-T5 mirrorless camera, an entry-level Nauticam housing, and two lenses, for a total value of €3,500. Upon arrival, they declare their equipment to the CBSA. They can present a detailed list with serial numbers, but this is generally not required for this value. The equipment is considered temporary personal effects and will not be taxed, provided it leaves with them. The risk is minimal if they declare honestly.
An expert photographer arrives in Canada with a complete system: a Nikon Z9, a Subal housing, three high-end lenses, and aluminum arms, valued at €15,000. They have prepared an ATA Carnet to facilitate customs clearance. At the CBSA, they present their duly completed ATA Carnet, which serves as a declaration and guarantee for temporary import. Without an ATA Carnet, they would have to declare the equipment, and the CBSA might require an E29B form or a bond. The main risk is a longer process without an ATA Carnet or an incomplete declaration.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay taxes or customs duties on my underwater camera equipment as a tourist in Canada?
No, as a non-resident, you can temporarily import your underwater camera equipment as personal effects without paying taxes or duties, provided you re-export it upon your departure. There is no monetary limit for this exemption. A verbal declaration is usually sufficient for personal equipment.
Is it recommended to declare my underwater camera equipment to Canadian customs, even if it's for personal use?
Yes, it is highly recommended to declare any valuable equipment upon your arrival. This avoids any suspicion upon departure regarding the acquisition of these goods in Canada. For high-value equipment, an ATA Carnet or a detailed list with serial numbers can simplify the process.
Where can I find official information on the temporary import of equipment into Canada?
For more information, consult the official website of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on travel: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/tti-ivf-eng.html. This page details the rules for personal effects and temporary import.